5 Questions Every Seller Should Ask Before Hiring an Agent
What Questions Should You Ask an Agent to Make Sure They’re the Right Fit?
If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, chances are you’ve already wondered…
Do I really need an agent? And if so, how do I choose the right one?
And once you start looking? It can feel overwhelming fast.
In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, 88% of sellers only talk to one agent before hiring.
That means nearly 9 out of 10 people go with the first person they meet.
And honestly, we get it.
Interviewing multiple agents can feel like a lot when you just want to get your home on the market and move forward.
But here’s the truth:
Choosing the right agent upfront can make or break your entire experience.
There’s a big difference between a good agent and the right agent for you.
And asking a few key questions can give you clarity, confidence, and a much smoother path from listing to closing.
Here are five questions we always recommend asking:
1. How Active Are You Right Now?
You don’t need to know what an agent did five years ago. You need to know what they’re doing today.
Start with:
“How many homes have you sold in the past 12 months?”
Then take it one step further:
“What’s your total sales volume?”
What you’re really looking for:
• Clear, confident answers
• Whether those numbers are individual or team based
• How their activity compares to what’s happening locally
An agent who’s actively working in today’s market will know their numbers and be able to explain them easily.
2. How Well Do You Know My Area?
Real estate is hyper local. What’s happening in one neighborhood can be completely different from the next.
Ask:
“How many homes have you sold in my area?”
Then follow up with:
“What’s happening in the market right now here?”
Listen for:
• Specific examples of nearby sales
• Insight into pricing trends and buyer demand
• The ability to reference real data or comps quickly
The best agents don’t speak in generalities. They talk in specifics that actually apply to your home.
3. Have You Sold Homes Like Mine?
Not every home sells the same way. Price point, condition, and location all impact strategy.
Ask:
“How many homes have you sold in my price range?”
“Have you worked with homes similar to mine?”
You want to hear:
• Real examples
• Clear understanding of your type of buyer
• Strategy tailored to homes like yours
Experience isn’t just about volume. It’s about relevance.
4. How Long Do Your Listings Typically Take to Sell?
Every seller has a timeline, even if you haven’t fully defined it yet.
Ask:
“What’s your average days on market?”
“How does that compare to the local average?”
What matters here isn’t just the number. It’s the why behind it.
A strong agent will explain:
• How they price to create early interest
• How they manage showings and feedback
• What adjustments they make if a home isn’t selling
You’re looking for a clear, thoughtful plan, not just a statistic.
5. How Close Do Your Homes Sell to Asking Price?
At the end of the day, everything comes down to results.
Ask:
“What’s your average list to sale price ratio?”
This gives you insight into how well they:
• Price homes from the start
• Create demand through marketing
• Negotiate once offers come in
A great agent won’t just give you a number. They’ll walk you through how they consistently achieve it.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an agent isn’t just about finding someone who can list your home.
It’s about finding someone who understands your goals, knows your market, and has a clear plan to get you there.
The right questions don’t just give you answers. They give you confidence.
And when you feel confident in your agent, everything else becomes easier.